Drainage and circulation: technologies for professionals

Two complementary circulations

The lymphatic system clears waste and excess fluid from between the cells, then returns them to the blood. Venous circulation returns blood to the heart, helped by the contraction of the leg muscles and by valves that prevent backflow. When either one slows down, swelling, heavy legs and water retention appear.

Pressotherapy

Boots, sleeves or belts inflate compartment by compartment, from the bottom upwards. This sequential compression pushes lymph and venous blood towards the heart. It is the simplest technique to implement: the session runs hands-free.

Suction and palper-rouler

Suction lifts the skin and mobilises fluid towards the lymphatic vessels. Mechanical palper-rouler rolls the skin between two rollers to soften the tissues and boost microcirculation; it is mainly used to treat cellulite.

What about manual drainage?

Manual lymphatic drainage remains the benchmark for its fine adaptability, but it requires lengthy training and a lot of treatment room time. Technologies complement it: they make it possible to treat more clients, with reproducible settings.

Indications

Heavy legs, water retention, cellulite, post-exercise recovery, swelling linked to immobility. Lymphoedema, venous insufficiency and post-surgical recovery require medical follow-up.

Contraindications

Acute infection, current phlebitis or thrombosis, severe heart failure, untreated cancer. Significant hypertension, pregnancy (no treatment of the abdomen) and open wounds require precautions.